Family Advocate

General SummaryProvide case management for designated families to include the planning, documentation and follow-up services in the area of health, nutrition, disability, transition, mental health, and the parent, family and community engagement content areas. Primary Responsibilities1.Establish mutually respectful partnerships with families to enhance the quality of their lives and their communities: conduct outreach, recruitment and enrollment; provide information and services of the Head Start Birth to Five Program and communicate effectively.2.Offer opportunities and learning materials for children and parents that reflect the families’ cultures, encourages family members to visit, observe and volunteer in the program and identify parent strengths and needs by collaborating with the Parent, Family & Community Engagement Specialist by utilizing the ChildPlus Family Assessment.3.Connect families with opportunities that support safety, financial literacy, health and family wellness.4.In partnership with families, develops and supports plans that describe families’ strength, resources and needed services, develop the Family Partnership Agreement and follows up on the progress toward meeting their goals and facilitate the transition process for parents and children.5.Assist families in crisis: provide referral; perform case management, track and document services for all assigned families utilizing the ChildPlus event notes.6.Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values and family structures of each family served.7.Contribute to effective program practices by utilizing the ChildPlus event notes for documentation purposes, performing record keeping tasks in a timely manner, inputting data entry into the ChildPlus software and applies knowledge in health, mental health, disabilities, family engagement and nutrition.8.Works closely with the classroom teacher in the assigned cluster and assists the Cluster Manager in conducting, documenting home visits and provides transportation for parents attending meetings, as needed and utilize the ChildPlus event notes for documentation purposes.9.Maintain regular contact with children in the classroom setting.10.Maintain on-going contact with teaching staff in order to share relevant home information and gain information regarding child performance in the classroom.11.Provide information relative to Head Start health and nutrition requirements, support families and follows-ups on immunizations, physical, dental and nutrition screenings.12.Assure completion of health screenings for assigned sites to include: measurements, vision, hearing and blood pressure screenings.13.Makes appropriate referrals for families and children and follows up on referrals to determine if services were received and needs were met14.Assist classroom staff in maintaining accurate written records, including: assessments, IEP/IFSP documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.15.Assist in general maintenance and security of facility.16.Attend meetings, training's, and appropriate professional development activities. Work Experience

• Two years Head Start experience

Education/Certifications/Licensure

• Associate's Degree in Social Work and/or three years of experience working with parents and children either in a licensed center or a public school setting at a grade level no higher than elementary school.
• Individuals hired after November 7, 2016, must have within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field.
• Prepare and train in the competency goals and indicators for Family Service Workers and attend the certification course as per the Head Start Act 648A – Staff qualifications for Family Service Workers.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Must pass DFPS background check.
• Must pass pre-employment physical. Obtain Health Certificate annually.
• Within 30 days of employment must be Pediatric CPR & First Aid certified and have a current Food Handler’s Card.
• Must attend 24 clock hours of professional development and staff training per year to included training on methods to handle suspected or known child abuse and neglect cases, that comply with applicable federal, state, local and tribal laws, training that builds their knowledge, experience and competencies to improve child and family outcomes and any other trainings as outlined by the Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standards from the State of Texas.

Skills

• Frequent significant decision and problem solving abilities.
• Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, parents and community resources.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) is preferred.